Blood Group Distribution among COVID-19 Patients in a Nigerian Treatment Centre.

Kwaghe, V G; Habib, Z G; Bawa, A; Adebayo, F O; Akor, A A; Thairu, Y; Ekele, B A

BACKGROUND Biomarkers of susceptibility to COVID-19 are being investigated by many scientists all over the world. The ABO blood group antigens are the most frequently studied genetic markers. Reports from China and USA have shown that people with blood group A are more susceptible to COVID- 19 while those with blood group O are least susceptible. METHODS The ABO blood group of 51 patients with COVID-19 admitted at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Nigeria was determined and compared with the ABO blood group distribution in the general population. RESULTS Out of the 51 patients, 39 (76.5%) were males and 12 (23.5%) were females, giving a male: female ratio of 3.25:1. Out of the 51 patients, 29 (56.9%) had blood group O, 12 (23.5%) had blood group A, 10 (19.6%) had blood group B and none (0%) had blood group AB. This blood group distribution was comparable to the blood group distribution in the general population. CONCLUSION Preliminary analysis of the blood group distribution of COVID-19 patients being managed at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Nigeria found no relationship between COVID-19 and ABO blood group. More studies are needed particularly in Africa to determine if ABO blood group can be a biomarker of susceptibility to COVID-19 among Africans.